Newsletter - Mandy Mazliah

Childbirth
How to survive a trip to hospital
Eleanor Purser shares her
advice…
Of all the NCT handouts, the ‘what
to take to hospital’ list was one I
consulted most scrupulously. The
packed bag, sitting ready to go
and filled according to instruction
was my talisman assuring me that
come what may during the birth, I’d
have the correct garments (nightdress,
feeding bra, pads, hip hugger
knickers etc) ready. Chaos would
be held at bay and we’d be able
rapidly to leave hospital with just one
additional item of luggage.
In the event, my bag wasn’t required
on the day. An unplanned home birth
meant the bag stayed where it was.
That was until 24 hours later when
the post-birth check up detected
jaundice in baby Thea and off we
went into St Thomas’s. We were
initially admitted for three days, which
stretched to five when an ancillary
streptococcal infection test showed
that Thea was still harbouring
potentially dangerous bacteria.
The NCT bag list, which is designed
for a 24-stint, was gradually
supplemented as I accrued things
to make the stay more tolerable. We
also learned how to navigate the
rules and regulations of a hospital.
So here is my list of tips should you
find yourselves in a similar situation…
Are you sitting comfortably?
The undercarriage can get somewhat
battered by the birth and sitting down
becomes an action undertaken only
with great caution. Consequently, the
hard plastic chairs onto which you get
suctioned in the heat are not ideal.
By chance we had a sheepskin,
which we had brought in the pram for
Thea to lie on. It was commandeered
18 Newsletter Spring
as a seat cover and was bliss to sit
on. In the absence of a sheepskin a
small cushion or blanket would do.
Don’t be afraid to ask for tips on how
to operate the bed. It isn’t difficult but
it took me a couple of days to realise
that I could raise the head and foot
of the bed. It makes a change from
chair, however comfortable you can
make it.
Bathtime bliss
The NCT list advises towels but do
take a number. The hospital doesn’t
provide towels and you will need a
few. Despite adoring my new born
daughter, I luxuriated in the five
minutes I could take by myself in the
shower once my husband was there.
Do splash out on a shower gel or
soap that you really enjoy using to
give you a tiny bit of ‘you time’. You
will have earned it!
Phew what a scorcher…
The wards are kept at a somewhat
suffocating temperature. Many of
them at St Thomas’s are also south
facing. Take very lightweight clothes.
Vest tops, loose trousers, flip flops
are all good. No one is too bothered
about dress etiquette: many new
mums just stay in their comfortable
nightwear for a few days until the
idea of getting dressed seems less
daunting – and no one bats an eyelid.
Fan club management
The hospital doesn’t provide vases,
so if your adoring public is extensive
and generous, you might want
commandeer an old jam jar or two to
display flowers.
A slow getaway
Partners are meant to leave by 10pm.
The nursing staff are kind and don’t
hustle them out, however security
also leave at 10pm and lock away the
release button for the security doors
As drugs are also dispensed around
10pm it may be some time before
a passing member of nursing staff
notices a visitor stuck in reception.
It’s for you…
I assumed that there would be a
no mobile phone rule. Actually staff
seem to turn a blind eye provided
they are used with discretion. Don’t
forget your charger.
Move along please
There can be no more than two
visitors at any one time in addition
to your partner. It’s worth getting
someone to organise who comes
when so that you don’t have to
truncate a visit with your best friend
in order to be polite to Great Aunt
Aggie.
Diner à trois
Having heard horror stories about
hospital food, my expectations were
low. I was pleasantly surprised. It’s
not gourmet but it largely tasty and
nutritious. At lunchtime, the salads
and quiches are good. Partners
aren’t fed so they’ll need to go and
forage in M&S or you could chose
to share your sponge and custard!
Ensure you have food for overnight
as breastfeeding may leave you very
hungry. I found that the M&S Belgian
chocolate flapjacks were just the
thing to tide me over…
What do you think?
Overall I thought the staff were
wonderful and the care excellent.
What was your experience? And what
tips do you have to make the best of
your hospital stay. Get in touch at the
email address on page 3.